Flood safety tips

Here are some tips to remember if you find yourself impacted by flooding.

Before a flood:

~Think about flood-prone areas in your community and how you would navigate them if roads or bridges have to close down.

~Keep phones and devices charged, so you have a way to receive news alerts.

~Follow evacuation orders.

During a flood:

~Seek higher ground.

~Never walk or drive through flooded roadways; avoid floodwaters as much as possible.

~Listen to local media and evacuate if told to.

After a flood:

~Do not enter flood waters.  Murky water easily hides debris, chemicals and downed power lines.

~Wait for the “all clear” to re-enter a flood-damaged property.

~Take note of road closures and detours.

Flooding events account for an average 88 deaths per year in the U.S. and are avoidable in many situations.  The National Weather Service says around half of flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related.

Six inches of water will sweep a person off their feet.  If you find yourself in the car when a flash flood occurs, do your best to exit the vehicle swiftly and get to a higher elevation.  Do not anchor yourself to your vehicle, as 12 inches of sweeping water can carry away your vehicle.

The best advice when it comes to flooding is to avoid the water as much as possible.  Turn around don’t drown!